Power rating to maintenance: What to consider when you buy an AC

As India braces for a scorching summer, here is how you should do when you get this necessary device

The weather office has forecast heat waves in March-May in most parts of India, updating its earlier outlook of “above normal” temperatures. To survive the summer, you will need an air conditioner (AC).

The devices were once regarded as a luxury and now are a necessity. “The India air conditioner market is expected to reach USD 6,054.96 million by 2027F, growing at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 6.08% during the forecast period. Due to the strengthening of the increasing household sector, the rising construction of new housing societies, and the establishment of SMEs, residential air conditioners dominate the AC market share across all segments,” according to TechSci Research, a market research company.

"Furthermore, an increase in the number of construction projects across metro and tier-2 cities will drive up demand for air conditioners in the coming years. Increasing demand from small cities, particularly those with a population of less than one million people, contributes to a significant share of air conditioner sales in India,” it said.

Buying an AC

While shopping, you should consider an AC unit's capacity to cool an area, speed, and maintenance cost. “One most common mistake that a customer should avoid is buying an under-capacity AC i.e., a customer should be aware of the required capacity by knowing actual room size and heat load and some other basic details/information of the room for which they are buying AC. A good retailer or a sales demonstrator usually guides a customer but it’s always better to be self-equipped. Also, it’s good to have an AC with higher star rating when working hours usage of the AC is higher,” said Alok Tickoo, executive vice president of Lloyd (a Havells company).

There are window AC units, portable AC, central AC, and floor-mounted units (the last two for cooling an entire house). ACs selling for Rs 25,000 or slightly more and available as 1- or 1.5-ton window and split units provide efficient cooling. Many brands in this price range offer features like an anti-bacterial filter, dust filters, or power-efficient copper condenser. 

Window ACs are a little cheaper than split ones and choosing between either depends on your room space. Window ACs conserve more power and split ACs are noiseless and cool faster.

ACs priced above Rs 40,000 have a higher power-saving rating, meaning they consume much less electricity. A reverse cycle AC heats or cools a room using the same power unit. An inverter AC is power efficient, noiseless, and is better at regulating room temperature, but it requires careful maintenance.

Many households have put up ACs for their kitchens. “I do not think that having a kitchen AC is far-fetched. I have had one for over 6 years now and I know of a lot of people in the middle class who have/ are doing this. With the working middle-class spending more time at home and also trying support in the kitchen from a working partner, this (kitchen ACs) hence is on the rise,” said Chirag Baijal, managing director of Carrier HVAC, a manufacturer.

Cool features

Brands have launched new products with smart features to address consumer needs this summer. Premium models include features such as IAQ (indoor air quality monitoring and purification system); ACP which turns an AC into an air purifier; and clean. Depending on features, capacity, and star rating, ACs will cost between Rs 40,000 and Rs 60,000.

Most major brands in India offer free installation whether you buy AC online or at physical retail stores. A professional must install and service an AC for your safety and the care of the device.

Servicing on time ensures longer life and performance of the machine; using a brand’s authorised centre for the job is safer and gives customers a chance to claim warranties and discounts.

Major companies in the Indian market include Voltas Limited, Daikin Airconditioning India, Havells India (Lloyd), Blue Star Limited, Panasonic India, Carrier Midea India, Fujitsu General India, Mitsubishi Electric India, Haier Appliances India, Hitachi India, LG Electronics India, and Samsung India.

Websites like Rentomojo and Rentloco and neighbourhood electrical shops offer ACs on rent at prices starting at around Rs 1,100 monthly.